I’ve lived through some of the darkest moments of this world, seen things no man should ever witness. As a soldier, I was betrayed and left for dead, only to be brought back by the very people who had abandoned me. But with great power comes great responsibility, or so they say. The responsibility I bear is one of vengeance, one of silence and shadow. I’ve become Black Noir, the embodiment of retribution, a phantom in the night.
[This episode contains spoilers from season four, episode seven of The Boys.]
In the second last episode of “The Boys” season four, some major characters made significant revelations. A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) shocked the Seven by confessing his betrayal as their traitor. Meanwhile, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) confessed to most of the Boys team about keeping a Vought scientist captive to develop a virus capable of killing Homelander (Antony Starr), and potentially all supes.
In this episode, Black Noir, a veteran member of the Seven and skilled martial arts assassin portrayed by Nathan Mitchell, made a significant appearance. It’s essential to note that this is not the same Black Noir from the initial three seasons of “The Boys,” although Mitchell also played that role. The new Black Noir has been mentored by The Deep (Chace Crawford), and Homelander has instructed them to eliminate the Boys once and for all. However, the new Noir soon discovers that terminating the Boys is more challenging than anticipated, despite being a superhuman.
In the initial three seasons, Black Noir (Jensen Ackles) portrayed as a relentless assassin who fell silent following his treacherous act against Soldier Boy. This mute and disfigured state was the outcome of their joint mission to hand over Soldier Boy to the Russians. Although the objective was accomplished, Soldier Boy inflicted severe injuries on Noir as a token of revenge for his betrayal. These wounds also significantly impaired Noir’s mental faculties, leaving him with the cognitive abilities of a child.
In the third season, the Boys located Soldier Boy, who was being held captive by the Russians. They aimed to recruit him to help defeat Homelander. After much persuasion, Soldier Boy consented, but he demanded revenge against every team member involved in the betrayal that led to his capture. This included the original Black Noir. With a vengeance, Soldier Boy embarked on a mission to eliminate each of them. The thrilling seventh episode of season three showcases the creative storytelling of creator/showrunner Eric Kripke and his team, as they portrayed the complex relationship between the non-verbal Black Noir and the abusive Soldier Boy. However, in the finale of season three, the first Black Noir was killed by Homelander due to his failure to disclose that Soldier Boy was the father of Vought’s leader, The Seven. Despite this loss, The Seven required a replacement for Black Noir.
Recently, Mitchell sat down with The Hollywood Reporter for a chat about joining “The Boys,” his unique take on portraying two distinct characters under the same mask, the scene he cherishes most from his four-season tenure, and what fans can anticipate from the upcoming season finale.
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What were you doing before you got to the call to join The Boys cast ?
A few days prior, I was engrossed in a Risk game with my friends. As I played, I daydreamed about receiving a call from Seth Rogen, offering me a part. Alas, it didn’t come to pass. Yet the idea lingered in my mind. Then, a couple of days later, I learned that I had been cast in the role.
Last year, I was making a name for myself in Vancouver’s acting scene and working hard to advance. The very first role I landed during the new TV season was on “Supernatural.” Around early 2017, I got to play a character named Kelvin – an angel, marking my initial foray into Eric Kripke’s captivating universe.
Recently, I had been busy auditioning for various roles throughout the year, and I came very close in some of them. My ultimate goal was to travel to L.A. for pilot season and secure a role in a TV movie. I eagerly auditioned for a specific project, and the director and producers expressed their enthusiasm for my performance, stating they would forward it to the network for consideration. However, I didn’t receive any further communication from them.
It was devastating to discover that my chance to travel to L.A. for pilot season was slipping away from me. I had come so close but was left feeling disappointed and dejected. However, just as I accepted my fate, a friend introduced me to the show “The Boys,” suggesting I audition. My first tryout was for a character named Deep, and although I thought it would be exciting if I got the part, I didn’t believe it would happen. I went on vacation with my family feeling defeated, but as soon as we returned, I received an invitation to audition for both A-Train and Deep. I taped my performance and, surprisingly, learned I had been cast just after New Year’s Day.
Which Black Noir was more difficult to portray, the first version or the new one?
In simpler terms, acting without speaking or using facial expressions is not something most actors are accustomed to. It was a difficult transition for me when I took on the role of the original Black Noir due to the suit’s unique movements and how it affected my performance. I had to learn new ways to express emotions, which took some time. However, after four years of wearing the suit as the new Black Noir, I have become more comfortable and can now use my voice and facial expressions, making it a more familiar experience for me based on my acting background.
With the new Noir, did you change any mannerisms or movements?
As a fan of both old and new Noir films, I’m definitely on board with your perspective. Old Noir has a distinct, stoic quality that sets it apart. When I watch these classic movies, I ask myself, “How can I find intriguing contrasts between the image and reality of the Noir character?” The suit creates an overwhelming feeling of intensity, intimidation, or power. But with old Noir, I’m searching for something beneath the surface. A vulnerability, quirkiness, or even a childlike innocence that adds depth to the powerful exterior.
Instead of making new Noir a carbon copy of the original, I aimed to introduce distinct characteristics. While OG Noir was known for his brutal efficiency in violence and mastery of his craft, the new version is hesitant and uneasy when it comes to killing. He’s more talkative and prefers expressing himself through words rather than actions. The new character is also less composed, lacking the coolness, calmness, and collected demeanor of the original. Therefore, I focused on showcasing these differences and bringing out the unique qualities of the revised Noir.
Didn’t old Black Noir have more respect for human life ?
I can relate to that description. It’s fascinating how some people possess such contrasting emotions and actions. He was merciless when it came to competition, but held a tender spot for children and animals deep within him. This internal duality of his was truly intriguing. On the field, however, there was no hesitation in him taking decisive action against opponents.
I can’t remember, but did you speak some in season three?
In the third season, we welcomed an excellent new actor who portrayed the younger, unmasked version of Black Noir in flashback sequences. (Fritzy-Klevans Destine took on this role.)
In episode seven, prepare for an intense showdown as the newest member of the Noir team, along with the Deep, confronts Billy Butcher, Starlight, and Mother’s Milk inside the Flatiron Building, which serves as the Boys’ headquarters.
Deep shares some profound thoughts with Noir during episode six. Deep points out that Noir’s propensity for violence is what defines him deeply. While the truth of this observation is debatable, it provides Noir with a new perspective. He expresses his confusion about his character and Deep helps him discover a crucial aspect. Consequently, Noir decides to fully embrace his violent side. In the Flatiron scene, he starts to tap into his past self, becoming an increasingly formidable adversary for The Boys.
But why did he run away once A-Train joined the fight to help the Boys?
Based on my experience as a long-time crime reporter, I’ve seen my fair share of dangerous individuals. But this newcomer is different. Yes, he may pose a threat, but his reaction to being shot at in that recent incident spoke volumes. He was clearly taken aback, surprised even. It’s evident that he’s still learning the ropes, still figuring out what it means to be a real player in this game.
Why did Soldier Boy hide from Homelander in the earlier Noir seasons that he was his father, resulting in Homelander ultimately taking his life through disembowelment?
I’ve seen my fair share of complex situations in my life, but this one takes the cake. You see, there was this fella named Noir, a man who’d been through more than his share of hardships. He’d been bullied mercilessly by a certain individual, Soldier Boy, who left him disfigured and traumatized. This bully had made Noir’s life a living hell for what felt like an eternity during their time in payback.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be drawn to the captivating moments of my beloved character, Black Noir, during season three. Remember when he went through an unexpected psychotic episode (episode seven, to be exact)? The old Noir sought refuge in an abandoned Buster Beaver animatronics pizza place, attempting to elude a relentless Soldier Boy. What are some scenes or episodes as Noir that left you utterly captivated?
That was one of my favorite scenes, when he goes to the Buster Beaver Palace. And it’s funny, when I was younger, I loved Pokémon; so to prepare for this scene, I was getting in touch with my inner child and imagining that I was talking to Charmander and Pikachu. But you see the relationship between Noir and these animated cartoon figures and you realize that these are the primary relationships, and some of the only relationships that he’s really had throughout his life after that accident, right? And getting to use my imagination in that way, he’s like a reluctant kid in that moment. They’re like, “Hey, we have something to show you,” and he’s like, I don’t want to look. And then they’re like, come on. And then you have that moment where he briefly turns the other way, and there’s that immaturity, childlike nature. And then the breathing. It was a lot of fun to portray, and to get to explore that dark night of the soul for Noir was really fulfilling, and I think so fitting. Because while we hadn’t explicitly talked about it before, that cartoon imaginary world would be what is going on inside of his head. So, Eric Kripke and the writers were just fantastic in terms of how they created that story.
I can’t predict with certainty what season five, the last installment of “The Boys,” will bring for our beloved Noir or the team as a whole. But isn’t it thrilling to ponder over the possibilities? Could we see Noir facing his darkest demons and finally finding redemption? Or perhaps The Boys will uncover a new, sinister plot that forces them to reevaluate their loyalties? Whatever the case may be, I can hardly wait to find out!
In my opinion, the fifth season is shaping up to be quite chaotic. We’re nearing the end of the line and the risks are greater than ever before. The Boys are facing more danger than ever, and I believe the Seven will be stronger than ever. Additionally, Noir, the new member, seems to have grown increasingly comfortable with violence and may pose an even bigger threat to the Boys. The Boys haven’t held back thus far, but if there is anything left to give, they’ll certainly bring it out in season five!
Based on my experience as a long-time fan of this show, I can confidently say that season five is going to be nothing short of exhilarating and groundbreaking. With the stakes higher than ever before, the future of our world hangs in the balance, and we’re all in for an unforgettable ride. As someone who has followed the storyline closely, I can only imagine the intensity and excitement that lies ahead. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster journey like no other!
The Boys season four finale streams Thursday on Prime Video.
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2024-07-16 18:27